Lettuce variety ‘Hercules’

ABSTRACT

New lettuce variety designated ‘Hercules’ is described. ‘Hercules’ is a lettuce variety exhibiting stability and uniformity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/616,859, filed Jun. 7, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/346,916, filed Jun. 7, 2016, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of plant breeding. In particular, this invention relates to new lettuce, Lactuca sativa, variety ‘Hercules’.

BACKGROUND

Lettuce is an increasingly popular crop. Worldwide lettuce consumption continues to increase. As a result of this demand, there is a continued need for new lettuce varieties. In particular, there is a need for improved green leaf and iceberg lettuce varieties that exhibit improved growth habits, bolting and tip burn tolerance, and disease resistance.

SUMMARY

In order to meet these needs, the present invention is directed to improved lettuce varieties.

As used herein lettuce variety ‘Canyon’ is the same lettuce variety as lettuce variety ‘Mammoth’ having ATCC Accession Number X8 and disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/346,916. While the name has changed, lettuce variety ‘Canyon’ has all the defining characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Mammoth’.

As used herein lettuce variety ‘Hercules’ is the same lettuce variety as lettuce variety ‘Navigator’ having ATCC Accession Number PTA-126296 and disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/346,916. While the name has changed, lettuce variety ‘Hercules’ has all the defining characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Navigator’.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seed designated as ‘Wheelhouse’. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘Wheelhouse’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing ‘Wheelhouse’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed, plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘Wheelhouse’ as a parent, where ‘Wheelhouse’ is grown from ‘Wheelhouse’.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovules isolated from ‘Wheelhouse’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Wheelhouse’ lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘Wheelhouse’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selecting lettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘Wheelhouse’ lettuce plant, where the plants are grown from lettuce seed; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with a plant grown from ‘Wheelhouse’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seed designated as ‘Trailblazer’. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘Trailblazer’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing ‘Trailblazer’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed, plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘Trailblazer’ as a parent, where ‘Trailblazer’ is grown from ‘Trailblazer’ lettuce seed.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovules isolated from ‘Trailblazer’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Trailblazer’ lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘Trailblazer’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selecting lettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘Trailblazer’ lettuce plant, where the plants are grown from lettuce seed; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with a plant grown from ‘Trailblazer’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seed designated as ‘Haymaker’ having ATCC Accession Number PTA-125104. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘Haymaker’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing ‘Haymaker’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number PTA-125104. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed, plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘Haymaker’ as a parent, where ‘Haymaker’ is grown from ‘Haymaker’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number PTA-125104.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovules isolated from ‘Haymaker’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Haymaker’ lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘Haymaker’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selecting lettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘Haymaker’ lettuce plant, where the plants are grown from lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number PTA-125104; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with a plant grown from ‘Haymaker’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number PTA-125104. In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seed designated as ‘14RDSJV055-1’. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘14RDSJV055-1’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing ‘14RDSJV055-1’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed, plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘14RDSJV055-1’ as a parent, where ‘14RDSJV055-1’ is grown from ‘14RDSJV055-1’ lettuce seed.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovules isolated from ‘14RDSJV055-1’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘14RDSJV055-1’ lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘14RDSJV055-1’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selecting lettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘14RDSJV055-1’ lettuce plant, where the plants are grown from lettuce seed; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with a plant grown from ‘14RDSJV055-1’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seed designated as ‘14RDSJV055-3’. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘14RDSJV055-3’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing ‘14RDSJV055-3’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed, plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘14RDSJV055-3’ as a parent, where ‘14RDSJV055-3’ is grown from ‘14RDSJV055-3’ lettuce seed.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovules isolated from ‘14RDSJV055-3’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘14RDSJV055-3’ lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘14RDSJV055-3’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selecting lettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘14RDSJV055-3’ lettuce plant, where the plants are grown from lettuce seed; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with a plant grown from ‘14RDSJV055-3’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seed designated as ‘14RDSJV055-7’. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘14RDSJV055-7’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing ‘14RDSJV055-7’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed, plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘14RDSJV055-7’ as a parent, where ‘14RDSJV055-7’ is grown from ‘14RDSJV055-7’ lettuce seed.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovules isolated from ‘14RDSJV055-7’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘14RDSJV055-7’ lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘14RDSJV055-7’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selecting lettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘14RDSJV055-7’ lettuce plant, where the plants are grown from lettuce seed; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with a plant grown from ‘14RDSJV055-7’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seed designated as ‘Canyon’. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘Canyon’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing ‘Canyon’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed, plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘Canyon’ as a parent, where ‘Canyon’ is grown from ‘Canyon’ lettuce seed.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovules isolated from ‘Canyon’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Canyon’ lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘Canyon’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selecting lettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘Canyon’ lettuce plant, where the plants are grown from lettuce seed; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with a plant grown from ‘Canyon’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seed designated as ‘PS1102B’. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘PS1102B’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing ‘PS1102B’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed, plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘PS1102B’ as a parent, where ‘PS1102B’ is grown from ‘PS1102B’ lettuce seed.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovules isolated from ‘PS1102B’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘PS1102B’ lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘PS1102B’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selecting lettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘PS1102B’ lettuce plant, where the plants are grown from lettuce seed; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with a plant grown from ‘PS1102B’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seed designated as ‘Hercules’ having ATCC Accession Number PTA-126296. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘Hercules’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing ‘Hercules’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number PTA-126296. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed, plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘Hercules’ as a parent, where ‘Hercules’ is grown from ‘Hercules’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number PTA-126296.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovules isolated from ‘Hercules’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Hercules’ lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘Hercules’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selecting lettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘Hercules’ lettuce plant, where the plants are grown from lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number PTA-126296; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with a plant grown from ‘Hercules’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number PTA-126296. In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawings will be provided by the office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

FIG. 1 shows a comparison of heads between lettuce varieties ‘Wheelhouse’ and ‘Gilaben’. FIG. 1 shows a bottom view of lettuce heads.

FIG. 2 shows a comparison of heads between lettuce varieties ‘Wheelhouse’ and ‘Gilaben’. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of lettuce heads.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Wheelhouse’ and ‘Gilaben’. FIG. 3A shows a top view of a plant of lettuce variety ‘Wheelhouse’. FIG. 3B shows a top view of a plant of lettuce variety ‘Gilaben’.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Wheelhouse’ and ‘Gilaben’. FIG. 4A shows a flowering plant of lettuce variety ‘Wheelhouse’. FIG. 4B shows a flowering plant of lettuce variety ‘Gilaben’.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Wheelhouse’ and ‘Gilaben’. FIG. 5A shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Wheelhouse’. FIG. 5B shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Gilaben’. FIG. 5C shows a comparison of leaflets of lettuce varieties ‘Wheelhouse’ and ‘Gilaben’.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Trailblazer’ and ‘Mammoth’. FIG. 6A shows a top view of plants of lettuce variety ‘Trailblazer’. FIG. 6B shows a top view of plants of lettuce variety ‘Mammoth’.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Trailblazer’ and ‘Mammoth’. FIG. 7A shows bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘Trailblazer’. FIG. 7B shows bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘Mammoth’.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Trailblazer’ and ‘Mammoth’. FIG. 8A shows flowering plants of lettuce variety ‘Trailblazer’. FIG. 8B shows flowering plants of lettuce variety ‘Mammoth’.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Trailblazer’ and ‘Mammoth’. FIG. 9A shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Trailblazer’. FIG. 9B shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Mammoth’. FIG. 9C shows a comparison of leaflets of lettuce varieties ‘Trailblazer’ and ‘Mammoth’.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Haymaker’ and ‘Venus’. FIG. 10A shows a side view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Haymaker’ and ‘Venus’. FIG. 10B shows a top view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Haymaker’ and ‘Venus’. FIG. 10C shows a cross-sectional view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Haymaker’ and ‘Venus’. FIG. 10D shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Haymaker’ and ‘Venus’.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Haymaker’ and ‘Venus’. FIG. 11A shows flowering plants of lettuce variety ‘Haymaker’. FIG. 11B shows flowering plants of lettuce variety ‘Venus’.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Haymaker’ and ‘Venus’. FIG. 12A shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Haymaker’. FIG. 12B shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Venus’. FIG. 12C shows a comparison of leaflets of lettuce varieties ‘Haymaker’ and ‘Venus’.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘14RDSJV055-1’, ‘14RDSJV055-3’, ‘14RDSJV055-7’ and ‘Oso Verde’. FIG. 13A shows a top view of heads of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-1’. FIG. 13B shows a top view of heads of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-3’. FIG. 13C shows a top view of heads of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-7’. FIG. 13D shows a top view of heads of lettuce variety ‘Oso Verde’.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘14RDSJV055-1’, ‘14RDSJV055-3’, ‘14RDSJV055-7’ and ‘Oso Verde’. FIG. 14A shows rows of plants of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-1’. FIG. 14B shows rows of plants of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-3’. FIG. 14C shows rows of plants of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-7’. FIG. 14D shows rows of plants of lettuce variety ‘Oso Verde’.

FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘14RDSJV055-1’, ‘14RDSJV055-3’, ‘14RDSJV055-7’ and ‘Oso Verde’. FIG. 15A shows flowering plants of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-1’. FIG. 15B shows flowering plants of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-3’. FIG. 15C shows flowering plants of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-7’. FIG. 15D shows flowering plants of lettuce variety ‘Oso Verde’.

FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘14RDSJV055-1’, ‘14RDSJV055-3’, ‘14RDSJV055-7’ and ‘Oso Verde’. FIG. 16A shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-1’. FIG. 16B shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-3’. FIG. 16C shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-7’. FIG. 16D shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Oso Verde’.

FIG. 17A shows a comparison of leaflets of lettuce varieties ‘14RDSJV055-1’ and ‘Oso Verde’. FIG. 17B shows a comparison of leaflets of lettuce varieties ‘14RDSJV055-3’ and ‘Oso Verde’. FIG. 17C shows a comparison of leaflets of lettuce varieties ‘14RDSJV055-7’ and ‘Oso Verde’.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, and 18E show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘PS1102B’ and ‘Bondi’. FIG. 18A shows a comparison of leaves of lettuce varieties ‘PS1102B’ and ‘Bondi’. FIG. 18B shows a comparison of a top view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘PS1102B’ and ‘Bondi’. FIG. 18C shows a comparison of a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘PS1102B’ and ‘Bondi’. FIG. 18D shows a comparison of a side view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘PS1102B’ and ‘Bondi’. FIG. 18E shows a comparison of a cross-sectional view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘PS1102B’ and ‘Bondi’.

FIGS. 19A and 19B show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘PS1102B’ and ‘Bondi’. FIG. 19A shows flowering plants of lettuce variety ‘PS1102B’. FIG. 19B shows flowering plants of lettuce variety ‘Bondi’.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘PS1102B’ and ‘Bondi’. FIG. 20A shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘PS1102B’. FIG. 20B shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Bondi’. FIG. 20C shows a comparison of leaflets of lettuce varieties ‘PS1102B’ and ‘Bondi’.

FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Canyon’, ‘Hercules’, and ‘Regency’. FIG. 21A shows a top view of plants of lettuce variety ‘Canyon’. FIG. 21B shows a top view of plants of lettuce variety ‘Hercules’. FIG. 21C shows a top view of plants of lettuce variety ‘Regency’.

FIGS. 22A, 22B, and 22C show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Canyon’, ‘Hercules’, and ‘Regency’. FIG. 22A shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Canyon’. FIG. 22B shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Hercules’. FIG. 22C shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Regency’.

FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Canyon’, ‘Hercules’, and ‘Regency’. FIG. 23A shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Canyon’. FIG. 23B shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Hercules’. FIG. 23C shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Regency’.

FIGS. 24A, 24B, and 24C show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Canyon’, ‘Hercules’, and ‘Regency’. FIG. 24A shows a flowering plant of lettuce variety ‘Canyon’. FIG. 24B shows a flowering plant of lettuce variety ‘Hercules’. FIG. 24C shows a flowering plant of lettuce variety ‘Regency’.

FIGS. 25A, 25B, and 25C show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Canyon’, ‘Hercules’, and ‘Regency’. FIG. 25A shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Canyon’. FIG. 25B shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Hercules’. FIG. 25C shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Regency’.

FIG. 26A shows a comparison of leaflets of lettuce varieties ‘Canyon’ and ‘Regency’. FIG. 26B shows a comparison of leaflets of lettuce varieties ‘Hercules’ and ‘Regency’.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

In order to more clearly understand the invention, the following definitions are provided:

Core Length: Core length is the length of the internal lettuce stem. Core length is measured from the base of the cut head to the tip of the core.

Core Diameter: Core diameter is the diameter of the lettuce stem at the base of the cut head.

Heart Length: Heart length is the length of the vertically sliced lettuce plant as measured from the base of the cut stem to the top leaf margin of the longest outermost leaf that encloses the green leaf heart.

Plant Diameter: The plant diameter is a measurement across the top of the lettuce plant at its widest point. The measurement of frame diameter is taken from the outer most leaf tip horizontally to the outer most leaf tip.

Head Diameter: Head diameter is the diameter of the vertically sliced lettuce plant head at its widest horizontal point, perpendicular to the stem.

Head Length: Head length is the diameter of the vertically sliced lettuce plant head as measured from the base of the cut stem to the cap leaf.

Head Weight: Head weight is the weight of the marketable lettuce plant, cut and trimmed to market specifications.

Lettuce Mosaic Virus: A disease that can cause a stunted, deformed, or mottled pattern in young lettuce and yellow, twisted, and deformed leaves in older lettuce.

Maturity Date: Maturity refers to the stage when the plants are of full size or optimum weight, in marketable form or shape to be of commercial or economic value.

Nasonovia ribisnigri: A lettuce aphid that colonizes the innermost leaves of the lettuce plant, contaminating areas that cannot be treated easily with insecticides.

Tip burn: Means a browning of the edges or tips of lettuce leaves that is a physiological response to a lack of calcium.

Tomato Bushy Stunt: Lettuce dieback was first observed in California in the mid-1980s, and reports of the disease have increased over the last 10 years. Complete crop losses have occurred in fields of Green Leaf lettuce, and no commercial Green Leaf cultivar has been shown to be resistant to the disease. In the U.S., Green Leaf is a rapidly growing market segment, having increased 68% over the last five years (USDA, 2002). The disease has occurred in commercial fields of some leaf lettuce cultivars; however, symptoms have never been observed on any modern crisphead (iceberg) cultivars. Lettuce dieback is caused by several related tombusviruses including tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) and lettuce necrotic stunt virus (LNSV) (Liu et al., 1999; Obermeier et al., 2001). These are soil-borne, highly stable, and mechanically transmitted, and have no known vector. The conditions affecting symptom development remain poorly understood. The disease is frequently observed in low-lying areas of fields with a prior history of flooding, suggesting that the virus may be carried in river water and/or that disease symptoms may be associated with increased root stresses such as those presented by excess moisture. No effective cultural or chemical control methods have yet been identified.

Resistance to Tomato Busy Stunt refers to a level of resistance in a lettuce variety as measured by visual symptoms. Resistance is deemed present when symptoms are not present in at least 95% of a lettuce variety when exposed to tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV).

Taking into account these definitions, the present invention is directed to seeds of the lettuce varieties ‘Wheelhouse’, ‘Trailblazer’, ‘Haymaker’, ‘14RDSJV055-1’, ‘14RDSJV055-3’, ‘14RDSJV055-7’, ‘PS1102B’, ‘Hercules’, and ‘Canyon’, plants produced by growing ‘Wheelhouse’, ‘Trailblazer’, ‘Haymaker’, ‘14RDSJV055-1’, ‘14RDSJV055-3’, ‘14RDSJV055-7’, ‘PS1102B’, ‘Hercules’, and/or ‘Canyon’ lettuce seeds, heads isolated or harvested from the plants, one or more plants selected from a collection of ‘Wheelhouse’, ‘Trailblazer’, ‘Haymaker’, ‘14RDSJV055-1’, ‘14RDSJV055-3’, ‘14RDSJV055-7’, ‘PS1102B’, ‘Hercules’, and/or ‘Canyon’ plants and seeds derived or produced therefrom; plants produced by crossing a lettuce plant with a ‘Wheelhouse’, ‘Trailblazer’, ‘Haymaker’, ‘14RDSJV055-1’, ‘14RDSJV055-3’, ‘14RDSJV055-7’, ‘PS1102B’, ‘Hercules’, and/or ‘Canyon’ lettuce plant and seeds derived or produced therefrom.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Wheelhouse’

‘Wheelhouse’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This variety is distinct and unique to all other iceberg lettuce varieties due to its earlier maturing time and increased plant weight. Moreover, ‘Wheelhouse’ has a growing season that includes fall and is adapted to growing in regions such as the Southwest regions of the United States, such as California and the Arizona desert. Lettuce variety ‘Wheelhouse’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its early maturing time and increased plant weight.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has been self-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with careful attention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in variety ‘Wheelhouse’.

Lettuce variety ‘Wheelhouse’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg)

Seed:

-   -   Color: Black (e.g., comparable to ‘Kagraner Sommer’)

Leaves:

-   -   Shape of cotyledons: Broad     -   Shape of fourth leaf: Elongated     -   Apical margin of fourth leaf: Moderately dentate     -   Basal margin of fourth leaf: Finely dentate     -   Undulation of fourth leaf: Slight     -   Green color of fourth leaf: Medium green     -   Hue of green color of mature outer leaves: Greyish (e.g.,         comparable to ‘Celtuce’ and ‘Du bon jardinier’)     -   Incision depth of mature leaf: Moderate (e.g., comparable to         ‘Vanguard’)     -   Indentation of mature leaf: Entire to shallowly dentate     -   Undulations of the apical margins of mature leaf: Absent/slight         to moderate     -   Anthocyanin coloration: Absent (e.g., comparable to ‘Fiorella’         and ‘Sunrise’)     -   Anthocyanin cupping: Slight     -   Anthocyanin reflexing: Lateral margins     -   Anthocyanin size: Large     -   Anthocyanin glossiness: Moderate (e.g., comparable to ‘Salinas’)     -   Anthocyanin blistering: Moderate (e.g., comparable to         ‘Vanguard’)     -   Anthocyanin leaf thickness: Intermediate     -   Anthocyanin trichomes: Absent (smooth)

Plant:

-   -   Spread of frame leaves: 47.7 cm     -   Head diameter: 12.6 cm     -   Head shape: Slightly flattened     -   Degree of overlapping if upper part of leaves of head: Medium     -   Head size class: Medium to large     -   Head per carton: 24     -   Head weight: 433 g

Plant Butt:

-   -   Shape: Flat     -   Midrib: Flattened (e.g., comparable to ‘Salinas’)

Plant Core:

-   -   Diameter at base of head: 26.6 mm     -   Core height from base of head to apex: 48.6 mm

Bolting:

-   -   Class: Late (e.g., comparable to ‘Hilde II’)     -   Height of mature seed stalk: 99.6 cm     -   Spread of bolter plant: 34 cm     -   Bolter leaves: Straight     -   Margin: Dentate     -   Color: Dark green     -   Number of days from first water date to seed stalk emergence         under summer     -   conditions: 77 days

Bolter Habit:

-   -   Terminal inflorescence: Present     -   Lateral shoots: Present     -   Basal side shoots: Absent

Disease/Pest Resistance:

-   -   Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:2, Bl:5,         Bl:7, Bl:12, Bl:14-Bl:18, Bl:20-Bl:26     -   Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible

Pests:

-   -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible         Comparisons to Commercial Lettuce Variety

Table 1 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Wheelhouse’ with the lettuce variety ‘Gilaben’. Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Wheelhouse’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Gilaben’.

TABLE 1 Characteristic ‘Wheelhouse’ ‘Gilaben’ Time to maturity Earlier maturing Later maturing Plant weight Increased weight Lower weight

Tables 2A and 2B below shows results of a first trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, and frame width of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Wheelhouse’ (Table 2A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Gilaben’ (Table 2B).

TABLE 2A Head Head Core Frame ‘Wheelhouse’ Wt. Diameter Length Width Max 745 g 135 mm 75 mm 51 cm Min 385 g 115 mm 45 mm 44 cm Average 490.5 g 126.75 mm 57 mm 47.65 cm Std. Dev 80.13 6.13 9.23 2.30

TABLE 2B Head Head Core Frame ‘Gilaben’ Wt. Diameter Length Width Max 595 g 145 mm 85 mm 51 cm Min 375 g 110 mm 35 mm 40 cm Average 472.25 g 126 mm 60.5 mm 47.05 cm Std. Dev 60.16 8.21 12.86 2.66

Tables 3A and 3B below shows results of a second trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, and core diameter of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Wheelhouse’ (Table 3A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Gilaben’ (Table 3B).

TABLE 3A Head Head Core Core ‘Wheelhouse’ Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Max 550 g 135 mm 65 mm 32 mm Min 210 g 110 mm 25 mm 21 mm Average 375 g 126.1 mm 40.2 mm 26.6 mm Std. Dev 106.94 6.80 10.52 3.47

TABLE 3B Head Head Core Core ‘Gilaben’ Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Max 465 g 150 mm 64 mm 31 mm Min 215 g 111 mm 20 mm 20 mm Average 329.3 g 128.9 mm 36.65 mm 25.65 mm Std. Dev 77.11 10.88 12.03 2.60

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparisons of the two varieties ‘Wheelhouse’ and ‘Gilaben’ depicted in FIG. 1-5.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Trailblazer’

‘Trailblazer’ is an open-pollinated romaine lettuce variety. This variety is distinct and unique to all other romaine lettuce varieties due to its later bolting, and darker green color of leaves. Moreover, ‘Trailblazer’ has a growing season that includes spring and winter, and is adapted to growing in regions in the Southwest, such as California and the Arizona desert, as well as the West Coast regions of the United States. Lettuce variety ‘Trailblazer’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its late bolting, and dark green color of leaves.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has been self-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with careful attention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in variety ‘Trailblazer’.

Lettuce variety ‘Trailblazer’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Plant type: Cos (i.e., romaine)

Seed:

-   -   Color: White (e.g., comparable to ‘Verpia’)

Leaves:

-   -   Shape of cotyledons: Spatulate     -   Shape of fourth leaf: Elongated     -   Apical margin of fourth leaf: Entire     -   Basal margin of fourth leaf: Finely dentate     -   Undulation of fourth leaf: Flat     -   Green color of fourth leaf: Yellow-green     -   Hue of green color of outer leaves: Yellowish (e.g., comparable         to ‘Dorée de printemps’)     -   Incision depth of mature leaf: Moderate (e.g., comparable to         ‘Vanguard’)     -   Indentation of mature leaf: Shallowly dentate (e.g., comparable         to ‘Great Lakes 65’)     -   Undulations of the apical margins of mature leaf: Absent/slight         (e.g., comparable to ‘Dark Green Boston’)     -   Anthocyanin coloration: Absent     -   Anthocyanin cupping: Slight     -   Anthocyanin reflexing: Apical margin     -   Anthocyanin size: Medium     -   Anthocyanin glossiness: Moderate (e.g., comparable to ‘Salinas’)     -   Anthocyanin blistering: Moderate (e.g., comparable to         ‘Vanguard’)     -   Anthocyanin leaf thickness: Intermediate     -   Anthocyanin trichomes: Absent (smooth)

Plant:

-   -   Spread of frame leaves: 48.1 cm     -   Head shape: Elongate     -   Head size class: Large     -   Head per carton: 24     -   Head weight: 607.5 g     -   Head firmness: Firm

Plant Butt:

-   -   Shape: Rounded     -   Midrib: Moderately raised

Plant Core:

-   -   Core height from base to head to apex: 69.3 mm

Bolting:

-   -   Class: Early (e.g., comparable to ‘Gotte à graine blanche’)     -   Height of mature seed stalk: 96.4 cm     -   Spread of bolter plant: 34 cm     -   Bolter leaves: Straight     -   Margin: Entire     -   Color: Light green     -   Number of days from first water date to seed stalk emergence         under summer conditions: 67 days

Bolter Habit:

-   -   Terminal inflorescence: Absent     -   Lateral shoots: Absent     -   Basal side shoots: Present

Disease/Pest Resistance:

-   -   Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:2, Bl:5,         Bl:7, Bl:12, Bl:14-Bl:18, Bl:20-Bl:26     -   Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible

Pests:

-   -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible         Comparisons to Commercial Lettuce Variety

Table 4A below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Trailblazer’ with the lettuce variety ‘Mammoth’. Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Trailblazer’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Mammoth’

TABLE 4A Characteristic ‘Trailblazer’ ‘Mammoth’ Bolting Early Earlier bolting Color of leaves Darker green color Lighter green color

Tables 4B and 4C below shows results of a trial that compares the heart weight, heart length, core length, and core diameter of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Trailblazer’ (Table 4B) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Mammoth’ (Table 4C).

TABLE 4B Heart Heart Core Core ‘Trailblazer’ Wt. Length Length Diameter Max 795 g 380 mm 92 mm 40 mm Min 485 g 240 mm 46 mm 28 mm Average 607.5 g 316.5 mm 69.3 mm 34.85 mm Std. Dev 90.36 39.41 10.46 3.41

TABLE 4C Heart Heart Core Core ‘Mammoth’ Wt. Length Length Diameter Max 890 g 380 mm 86 mm 39 mm Min 375 g 320 mm 55 mm 26 mm Average 559.25 g 343.5 mm 69.65 mm 33.1 mm Std. Dev 116.53 16.23 9.74 3.14

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparisons of the two varieties ‘Trailblazer’ and ‘Mammoth’ depicted in FIG. 6-9.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Haymaker’

‘Haymaker’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This variety is distinct and unique to other iceberg lettuce varieties due to its improved uniformity, stronger heading, improved tolerance to tip burn, and increased weight. Moreover, ‘Haymaker’ has a growing season that includes summer and winter, and is adapted to growing in regions in the Southwest, such as California and the Arizona desert, as well as the West Coast regions of the United States. Lettuce variety ‘Haymaker’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its improved uniformity, stronger heading, improved tolerance to tip burn, and increased weight.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has been self-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with careful attention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in variety ‘Haymaker’.

Lettuce variety ‘Haymaker’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg)

Seed:

-   -   Color: Black (e.g., comparable to ‘Kagraner Sommer’)

Leaves:

-   -   Shape of cotyledons: Broad     -   Shape of fourth leaf: Oval     -   Apical margin of fourth leaf: Crenate/gnawed     -   Basal margin of fourth leaf: Moderately dentate     -   Undulation of fourth leaf: Flat     -   Green color of fourth leaf: Dark green     -   Hue of green color of outer leaves: Greyish (e.g., comparable to         ‘Celtuce’ and ‘Du bon jardinier’)     -   Incision depth of mature leaf: Moderate (e.g., comparable to         ‘Vanguard’)     -   Indentation of mature leaf: Deeply dentate (e.g., comparable to         ‘Great Lakes 659’)     -   Undulations of the apical margins of mature leaf: Strong (e.g.,         comparable to ‘Great Lakes 659’)     -   Anthocyanin coloration: Absent (e.g., comparable to ‘Fiorella’         and ‘Sunrise’)     -   Anthocyanin cupping: Uncupped     -   Anthocyanin reflexing: None     -   Anthocyanin concentration: Moderate (e.g., comparable to ‘Prize         Head’)     -   Anthocyanin size: Medium     -   Anthocyanin blistering: Moderate (e.g., comparable to         ‘Vanguard’)     -   Anthocyanin leaf thickness: Intermediate     -   Anthocyanin trichomes: Absent (smooth)

Plant:

-   -   Spread of frame leaves: 49.8 cm     -   Head diameter: 135.3 mm     -   Head shape: Slightly flattened     -   Degree of overlapping if upper part of leaves of head: Strong     -   Head size class: Medium     -   Head per carton: 24     -   Head weight: 680.53 g     -   Head firmness: Firm

Plant Butt:

-   -   Shape: Rounded     -   Midrib: Moderately raised

Plant Core:

-   -   Diameter at base of head: 31.1 mm     -   Core height from base to head to apex: 44.25 mm

Bolting:

-   -   Class: Medium (e.g., comparable to ‘Carelia’)     -   Height of mature seed stalk: 96 cm     -   Spread of bolter plant: 38.2 cm     -   Bolter leaves: Curved     -   Margin: Dentate     -   Color: Dark green     -   Number of days from first water date to seed stalk emergence         under summer conditions: 59 days

Bolter Habit:

-   -   Terminal inflorescence: Present     -   Lateral shoots: Present     -   Basal side shoots: Present

Disease/Pest Resistance:

-   -   Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:2, Bl:5,         Bl:7, Bl:12, Bl:14-Bl:18, Bl:20-Bl:26     -   Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible

Pests:

-   -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible         Comparisons to Commercial Lettuce Variety

Table 5 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Haymaker’ with the lettuce variety ‘Venus’. Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Haymaker’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Venus’.

TABLE 5 Characteristic ‘Haymaker’ ‘Venus’ Uniformity Improved uniformity Uniform Heading Stronger heading Weaker heading Tip burn tolerance Improved tolerance Tolerant Plant weight Comparable weight Comparable weight

Tables 6A and 6B below shows results of a first trial that compares the head weight, head circumference, core length, and core diameter of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Haymaker’ (Table 6A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Venus’ (Table 6B).

TABLE 6A Head Head Core Core ‘Haymaker’ Wt. Circumference Length Diameter Max 865 g 490 mm 50 mm 39 mm Min 495 g 425 mm 22 mm 28 mm Average 712.75 g 459.05 mm 37.35 mm 31.75 mm Std. Dev 92.34 21.13 8.05 3.13

TABLE 6B Head Head Core Core ‘Venus’ Wt. Circumference Length Diameter Max 805 g 470 mm 51 mm 38 mm Min 595 g 429 mm 25 mm 28 mm Average 671.8 g 447.1 mm 40.45 mm 32.6 mm Std. Dev 65.06 12.59 7.24 2.56

Tables 7A and 7B below shows results of a second trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, and frame width of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Haymaker’ (Table 7A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Venus’ (Table 7B).

TABLE 7A Head Head Core Frame ‘Haymaker’ Wt. Diameter Length Width Max 875 g 165 mm 50 mm 52 cm Min 385 g 125 mm 25 mm 46 cm Average 635.6 g 142 mm 38.5 mm 48.95 cm Std. Dev 145.28 10.81 6.09 2.14

TABLE 7B Head Head Core Frame ‘Venus’ Wt. Diameter Length Width Max 860 g 165 mm 50 mm 54 cm Min 450 g 110 mm 30 mm 43 cm Average 646 g 142.25 mm 40 mm 48.25 cm Std. Dev 102.95 13.13 5.13 3.46

Tables 8A and 8B below shows results of a third trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame width of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Haymaker’ (Table 8A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Venus’ (Table 8B).

TABLE 8A ‘Haymaker’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Width Max 835 g 145 mm 75 mm 34 mm 58 cm Min 585 g 120 mm 23 mm 27 mm 45 cm Average 693.25 g 128.6 mm 49.95 mm 31.1 mm 50.65 cm Std. Dev 72.65 6.81 13.33 1.41 4.49

TABLE 8B Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Venus’ Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Width Max 835 g 145 mm 73 mm 34 mm 56 cm Min 515 g 116 mm 25 mm 25 mm 43 cm Average 723.5 g 129.2 mm 47 mm 30.8 mm 49.2 cm Std. Dev 83.07 8.11 15.52 2.17 3.32

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparisons of the two varieties ‘Haymaker’ and ‘Venus’ depicted in FIG. 10-12.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘14RDSJV055-1’

‘14RDSJV055-1’ is an open-pollinated cutting (i.e., looseleaf) lettuce variety. This variety is distinct and unique to all other cutting lettuce varieties due to its thicker texture, darker leaf color, compact frame, rounder leaf shape, and later bolting. Lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-1’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its thick texture, dark leaf color, compact frame, round leaf shape, and late bolting.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has been self-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with careful attention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in variety ‘14RDSJV055-1’.

Lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-1’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Plant type: Cutting (e.g., comparable to ‘Frisée d'Amérique’, ‘Lollo rossa’, ‘Oakleaf’, and ‘Salad Bowl’)

Seed:

-   -   Color: Black (e.g., comparable to ‘Kagraner Sommer’)

Leaves:

-   -   Hue of green color of outer leaves: Greyish (e.g., comparable to         ‘Celtuce’ and ‘Du bon jardinier’)     -   Anthocyanin coloration: Absent (e.g., comparable to ‘Fiorella’         and ‘Sunrise’)

Bolting:

-   -   Class: Late (e.g., comparable to ‘Hilde II’)

Disease/Pest Resistance:

-   -   Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:2, Bl:5,         Bl:7, Bl:12, Bl:14-Bl:18, Bl:20-Bl:26     -   Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible

Pests:

-   -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible         Comparisons to Commercial Lettuce Variety

Table 9 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-1’ with the lettuce variety ‘Oso Verde’. Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-1’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Oso Verde’.

TABLE 9 Characteristic ‘14RDSJV055-1’ ‘Oso Verde’ Texture Thicker Less thick Leaf color Darker color Lighter color Frame Compact frame Less compact frame Leaf shape Rounder leaf Less round leaf Bolting Later bolting Earlier bolting

Tables 10A and 10B below shows results of a trial that compares the heart weight, heart length, and core length of five plants of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-1’ (Table 10A) with those of five plants of lettuce variety ‘Oso Verde’ (Table 10B).

TABLE 10A ‘14RDSJV055-1’ Heart Wt. Heart Length Core Length Max 450 g 165 mm 43 mm Min 280 g 152 mm 31 mm Average 364 g 155 mm 37.4 mm   Std. Dev 63.58 5.61 4.28

TABLE 10B ‘Oso Verde’ Heart Wt. Heart Length Core Length Max 580 g 279 mm 38 mm Min 415 g 235 mm 32 mm Average 469 g 257.8 mm   34.4 mm   Std. Dev 66.56 16.45 2.88

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparisons of the varieties ‘14RDSJV055-1’, ‘14RDSJV055-3’, ‘14RDSJV055-7’, and ‘Oso Verde’ depicted in FIG. 13-17.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘14RDSJV055-3’

‘14RDSJV055-3’ is an open-pollinated cutting (i.e., looseleaf) lettuce variety. This variety is distinct and unique to all other cutting lettuce varieties due to its thicker texture, darker leaf color, compact frame, rounder leaf shape, and later bolting. Lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-3’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its thick texture, dark leaf color, compact frame, round leaf shape, and late bolting. Lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-3’ is distinguished from ‘14RDSJV055-1’ in that ‘14RDSJV055-3’ has improved uniformity as compared to ‘14RDSJV055-1’.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has been self-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with careful attention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in variety ‘14RDSJV055-3’.

Lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-3’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Plant type: Cutting (e.g., comparable to ‘Frisée d'Amérique’, ‘Lollo rossa’, ‘Oakleaf’, and ‘Salad Bowl’)

Seed:

-   -   Color: Black (e.g., comparable to ‘Kagraner Sommer’)

Leaves:

-   -   Hue of green color of outer leaves: Greyish (e.g., comparable to         ‘Celtuce’ and ‘Du bon jardinier’)     -   Anthocyanin coloration: Absent (e.g., comparable to ‘Fiorella’         and ‘Sunrise’)

Bolting:

-   -   Class: Late (e.g., comparable to ‘Hilde II’)

Disease/Pest Resistance:

-   -   Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:2, Bl:5,         Bl:7, Bl:12, Bl:14-Bl:18, Bl:20-Bl:26     -   Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible

Pests:

-   -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible         Comparisons to Commercial Lettuce Variety

Table 11 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-3’ with the lettuce variety ‘Oso Verde’. Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-3’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Oso Verde’.

TABLE 11 Characteristic ‘14RDSJV055-3’ ‘Oso Verde’ Texture Thicker Less thick Leaf color Darker color Lighter color Frame Compact frame Less compact frame Leaf shape Rounder leaf Less round leaf Bolting Later bolting Earlier bolting

Tables 12A and 12B below shows results of a trial that compares the heart weight, heart length, and core length of five plants of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-3’ (Table 12A) with those of five plants of lettuce variety ‘Oso Verde’ (Table 12B).

TABLE 12A ‘14RDSJV055-3’ Heart Wt. Heart Length Core Length Max 370 g 171 mm 44 mm Min 285 g 153 mm 37 mm Average 309 g 164.6 mm   41.2 mm   Std. Dev 35.25 6.80 3.42

TABLE 12B ‘Oso Verde’ Heart Wt. Heart Length Core Length Max 580 g 279 mm 38 mm Min 415 g 235 mm 32 mm Average 469 g 257.8 mm   34.4 mm   Std. Dev 66.56 16.45 2.88

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparisons of the varieties ‘14RDSJV055-3’, ‘14RDSJV055-1’, ‘14RDSJV055-7’, and ‘Oso Verde’ depicted in FIG. 13-17.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘14RDSJV055-7’

‘14RDSJV055-7’ is an open-pollinated cutting (i.e., looseleaf) lettuce variety. This variety is distinct and unique to all other cutting lettuce varieties due to its thicker texture, darker leaf color, compact frame, rounder leaf shape, and later bolting. Lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-7’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its thick texture, dark leaf color, compact frame, round leaf shape, and late bolting. Lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-3’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its thick texture, dark leaf color, compact frame, round leaf shape, and late bolting. Lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-7’ is distinguished from ‘14RDSJV055-1’ and ‘14RDSJV055-3’ in that ‘14RDSJV055-7’ is earlier bolting to ‘14RDSJV055-3’ and over ‘4RDSJV055-1’; and is larger in size as compared to ‘14RDSJV055-1’ and ‘14RDSJV055-3’.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has been self-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with careful attention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in variety ‘14RDSJV055-7’.

Lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-7’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Plant type: Cutting (e.g., comparable to ‘Frisée d'Amérique’, ‘Lollo rossa’, ‘Oakleaf’, and ‘Salad Bowl’)

Seed:

-   -   Color: Black (e.g., comparable to ‘Kagraner Sommer’)

Leaves:

-   -   Hue of green color of outer leaves: Greyish (e.g., comparable to         ‘Celtuce’ and ‘Du bon jardinier’)     -   Anthocyanin coloration: Absent (e.g., comparable to ‘Fiorella’         and ‘Sunrise’)

Bolting:

-   -   Class: Late (e.g., comparable to ‘Hilde II’)

Disease/Pest Resistance:

-   -   Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:2, Bl:5,         Bl:7, Bl:12, Bl:14-Bl:18, Bl:20-Bl:26     -   Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible

Pests:

-   -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible         Comparisons to Commercial Lettuce Variety

Table 13 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-7’ with the lettuce variety ‘Oso Verde’. Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-7’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Oso Verde’.

TABLE 13 Characteristic ‘14RDSJV055-7’ ‘Oso Verde’ Texture Thicker Less thick Leaf color Darker color Lighter color Frame Compact frame Less compact frame Leaf shape Rounder leaf Less round leaf Bolting Later bolting Earlier bolting

Tables 14A and 14B below shows results of a trial that compares the heart weight, heart length, and core length of five plants of lettuce variety ‘14RDSJV055-7’ (Table 14A) with those of five plants of lettuce variety ‘Oso Verde’ (Table 14B).

TABLE 14A ‘14RDSJV055-7’ Heart Wt. Heart Length Core Length Max 300 g 153 mm 38 mm Min 250 g 133 mm 32 mm Average 274 g 146.2 mm   35.4 mm   Std. Dev 21.03 7.98 3.13

TABLE 14B ‘Oso Verde’ Heart Wt. Heart Length Core Length Max 580 g 279 mm 38 mm Min 415 g 235 mm 32 mm Average 469 g 257.8 mm   34.4 mm   Std. Dev 66.56 16.45 2.88

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparisons of the varieties ‘14RDSJV055-7’, ‘14RDSJV055-1’, ‘14RDSJV055-3’, and ‘Oso Verde’ depicted in FIG. 13-17.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘PS1102B’

‘PS1102B’ is an open-pollinated romaine lettuce variety. This variety is distinct and unique to all other romaine lettuce varieties due to its earlier bolting, improved uniformity, improved texture, earlier cupping, increased plant weight, and darker green leaf color. Lettuce variety ‘PS1102B’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its earlier bolting, improved uniformity, improved texture, earlier cupping, increased plant weight, and darker green leaf color.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has been self-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with careful attention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in variety ‘PS1102B’.

Lettuce variety ‘PS1102B’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Plant type: Cos (i.e., romaine)

Seed:

-   -   Color: White (e.g., comparable to ‘Verpia’)

Leaves:

-   -   Hue of green color of outer leaves: Greyish (e.g., comparable to         ‘Celtuce’ and ‘Du bon jardinier’)     -   Anthocyanin coloration: Absent (e.g., comparable to ‘Fiorella’         and ‘Sunrise’)

Bolting:

-   -   Class: Early (e.g., comparable to ‘Gotte á graine blanche’)

Disease/Pest Resistance:

-   -   Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:2, Bl:5,         Bl:7, Bl:12, Bl:14-Bl:18, Bl:20-Bl:26     -   Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible

Pests:

-   -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible         Comparisons to Commercial Lettuce Variety

Table 15 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘PS1102B’ with the lettuce variety ‘Bondi’. Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘PS1102B’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Bondi’.

TABLE 15 Characteristic ‘PS1102B’ ‘Bondi’ Bolting Earlier bolting Later bolting Uniformity Improved uniformity Uniform Texture Improved texture Good texture Cupping Earlier cupping Later cupping Plant weight Increased weight Lower weight Leaf color Darker green color Lighter green color

Tables 16A and 16B below shows results of a trial that compares the heart weight, heart length, core length, and core diameter of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘PS1102B’ (Table 16A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Bondi’ (Table 16B).

TABLE 16A ‘PS1102B’ Heart Wt. Heart Length Core Length Core Diameter Max 1100 g 360 mm 100 mm 47 mm Min  585 g 280 mm  45 mm 31 mm Average 786.25 g   302.75 mm   73.05 mm   43.2 mm   Std. Dev 140.36 22.68 15.31 3.95

TABLE 16B ‘Bondi’ Heart Wt. Heart Length Core Length Core Diameter Max 805 g 350 mm 110 mm  46 mm Min 425 g 270 mm 45 mm 32 mm Average 570.75 g   316 mm 72 mm 39.95 mm   Std. Dev 110.06 19.17 18.38 4.39

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparisons of the two varieties ‘PS1102B’ and ‘Bondi’ depicted in FIG. 18-20.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Hercules’

‘Hercules’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This variety is distinct and unique to all other iceberg lettuce varieties due to its compact heading, larger frame, and darker leaf color. Lettuce variety ‘Hercules’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its compact heading, large frame, and dark leaf color.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has been self-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with careful attention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in variety ‘Hercules’.

Lettuce variety ‘Hercules’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg)

Seed:

-   -   Color: White (e.g., comparable to ‘Verpia’)

Leaves:

-   -   Hue of green color of outer leaves: Greyish (e.g., comparable to         ‘Celtuce’ and ‘Du bon jardinier’)     -   Anthocyanin coloration: Absent (e.g., comparable to ‘Fiorella’         and ‘Sunrise’)

Bolting:

-   -   Class: Medium (e.g., comparable to ‘Carelia’)

Disease/Pest Resistance:

-   -   Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:2, Bl:5,         Bl:7, Bl:12, Bl:14-Bl:18, Bl:20-Bl:26     -   Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible

Pests:

-   -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible         Comparisons to Commercial Lettuce Variety

Table 17 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Hercules’ with the lettuce variety ‘Regency’. Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Hercules’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Regency’.

TABLE 17 Characteristic ‘Hercules’ ‘Regency’ Heading Compact heading Less compact heading Frame Larger framed Smaller framed Leaf color Darker color Lighter color

Tables 18A and 18B below shows results of a first trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, and core length of 30 plants of lettuce variety ‘Hercules’ (Table 18A) with those of 30 plants of lettuce variety ‘Regency’ (Table 18B).

TABLE 18A ‘Hercules’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Max 730 g 165 mm 50 mm Min 410 g 120 mm 35 mm Average 575 g 145.83 mm   43 mm Std. Dev 92.67 10.51 4.84

TABLE 18B ‘Regency’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Max 800 g 175 mm 50 mm Min 360 g 130 mm 30 mm Average 585.5 g   149.67 mm   41.67 mm   Std. Dev 98.03 9.82 5.14

Tables 19A and 19B below shows results of a second trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, and frame diameter of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Hercules’ (Table 19A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Regency’ (Table 19B).

TABLE 19A Head Head Core Frame ‘Hercules’ Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Max 820 g 155 mm 45 mm 50 cm Min 345 g 100 mm 25 mm 39 cm Average 495.25 g 135.75 mm 34 mm 44.7 cm Std. Dev 113.29 13.11 5.03 2.54

TABLE 19B Head Head Core Frame ‘Regency’ Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Max 750 g 160 mm 40 mm 53 cm Min 405 g 130 mm 25 mm 40 cm Average 548.75 g 145.25 mm 33.25 mm 43.9 cm Std. Dev 74.50 9.80 5.45 3.94

Tables 20A and 20B below shows results of a third trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, and circumference width of 30 plants of lettuce variety ‘Hercules’ (Table 20A) with those of 30 plants of lettuce variety ‘Regency’ (Table 20B).

TABLE 20A Head Head Core Circum- ‘Hercules’ Wt. Diameter Length ference Max 730 g 150 mm 50 mm 19.5 in Min 345 g 110 mm 30 mm 15.5 in Average 519.33 g 133 mm 39.5 mm 17.54 in Std. Dev 94.26 11.03 5.144 0.82

TABLE 20B Head Head Core Circum- ‘Regency’ Wt. Diameter Length ference Max 710 g 175 mm 45 mm 19.75 in Min 335 g 120 mm 30 mm 15.5 in Average 498 g 144.5 mm 36.83 mm 17.83 in Std. Dev 88.52 12.06 4.64 1.00

Tables 21A and 21B below shows results of a fourth trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, circumference, and frame diameter of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Hercules’ (Table 21A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Regency’ (Table 21B).

TABLE 21A Head Head Core Circum- Frame ‘Hercules’ Wt. Diameter Length ference Diameter Max 725 g 145 mm 50 mm 19 in 49 cm Min 345 g 125 mm 30 mm 16.75 in 34 cm Average 538 g 137 mm 38.25 mm 17.81 in 43.65 cm Std. Dev 97.51 6.96 4.94 0.58 3.94

TABLE 21B Head Frame Head Diam- Core Circum- Diam- ‘Regency’ Wt. eter Length ference eter Max 810 g 155 mm 45 mm 20 in 50 cm Min 415 g 115 mm 25 mm 16.5 in 38 cm Average 564.25 g 140 mm 36.5 mm 17.95 in 44.3 cm Std. Dev 109.52 9.87 6.90 0.87 3.20

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparisons of the varieties ‘Hercules’, ‘Canyon’, and ‘Regency’ depicted in FIG. 21-26.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Canyon’

‘Canyon’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This variety is distinct and unique to all other iceberg lettuce varieties due to its improved texture, earlier maturing time, earlier bolting, and lighter green color of leaves. Lettuce variety ‘Canyon’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its improved texture, early maturing time, early bolting, and light green color of leaves.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has been self-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with careful attention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in variety ‘Canyon’.

Lettuce variety ‘Canyon’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg)

Seed:

-   -   Color: White (e.g., comparable to ‘Verpia’)

Leaves:

-   -   Hue of green color of outer leaves: Greyish (e.g., comparable to         ‘Celtuce’ and ‘Du bon jardinier’)     -   Anthocyanin coloration: Absent (e.g., comparable to ‘Fiorella’         and ‘Sunrise’)

Bolting:

-   -   Class: Medium (e.g., comparable to ‘Carelia’)

Disease/Pest Resistance:

-   -   Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:2, Bl:5,         Bl:7, Bl:12, Bl:14-Bl:18, Bl:20-Bl:26     -   Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible

Pests:

-   -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible         Comparisons to Commercial Lettuce Variety

Table 22 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Canyon’ with the lettuce variety ‘Regency’. Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Canyon’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Regency’.

TABLE 22 Characteristic ‘Canyon’ ‘Regency’ Texture Improved texture Good texture Time to maturity Earlier maturing Later maturing Bolting Earlier bolting Later bolting Color or leaves Lighter green color Darker green color

Tables 23A and 23B below shows results of a first trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, and core length of 30 plants of lettuce variety ‘Canyon’ (Table 23A) with those of 30 plants of lettuce variety ‘Regency’ (Table 23B).

TABLE 23A Head Head Core ‘Canyon’ Wt. Diameter Length Max 840 g 160 mm 50 mm Min 360 g 120 mm 25 mm Average 609.33 g 146.5 mm 41.33 mm Std. Dev 115.02 10.52 6.29

TABLE 23B Head Head Core ‘Regency’ Wt. Diameter Length Max 800 g 175 mm 50 mm Min 360 g 130 mm 30 mm Average 585.5 g 149.67 mm 41.67 mm Std. Dev 98.03 9.82 5.14

Tables 24A and 24B below shows results of a second trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, and frame diameter of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Canyon’ (Table 24A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Regency’ (Table 24B).

TABLE 24A Head Head Core Frame ‘Canyon’ Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Max 720 g 160 mm 45 mm 49 cm Min 310 g 120 mm 25 mm 39 cm Average 490.75 g 141.75 mm 35 mm 42.85 cm Std. Dev 125.46 10.79 5.38 2.01

TABLE 24B Head Head Core Frame ‘Regency’ Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Max 750 g 160 mm 40 mm 53 cm Min 405 g 130 mm 25 mm 40 cm Average 548.75 g 145.25 mm 33.25 mm 43.9 cm Std. Dev 74.50 9.80 5.45 3.94

Tables 25A and 25B below shows results of a third trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, and circumference of 30 plants of lettuce variety ‘Canyon’ (Table 25A) with those of 30 plants of lettuce variety ‘Regency’ (Table 25B).

TABLE 25A Head Head Core Circum- ‘Canyon’ Wt. Diameter Length ference Max 690 g 165 mm 45 mm 19.5 in Min 330 g 110 mm 30 mm 16 in Average 507 g 140.5 mm 36.17 mm 17.77 in Std. Dev 83.69 12.82 4.68 0.99

TABLE 25B Head Head Core Circum- ‘Regency’ Wt. Diameter Length ference Max 710 g 175 mm 45 mm 19.75 in Min 335 g 120 mm 30 mm 15.5 in Average 498 g 144.5 mm 36.83 mm 17.83 in Std. Dev 88.52 12.06 4.64 1.00

Tables 26A and 26B below shows results of a fourth trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, circumference, and frame diameter of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Canyon’ (Table 26A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Regency’ (Table 26B).

TABLE 26A ‘Canyon’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Circumference Frame Diameter Max 715 g 160 mm 40 mm 19 in 48 cm Min 325 g 110 mm 20 mm 15.5 in 39 cm Average 551.5 g 132.75 mm 33.25 mm 17.85 in 43.35 cm Std. Dev 99.46 11.29 5.68 0.86 2.76

TABLE 26B Head Frame Head Diam- Core Circum- Diam- ‘Regency’ Wt. eter Length ference eter Max 810 g 155 mm 45 mm 20 in 50 cm Min 415 g 115 mm 25 mm 16.5 in 38 cm Average 564.25 g 140 mm 36.5 mm 17.95 in 44.3 cm Std. Dev 109.52 9.87 6.90 0.87 3.20

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparisons of the varieties ‘Hercules’, ‘Canyon’, and ‘Regency’ depicted in FIG. 21-26.

Further Embodiments

Breeding

In lettuce breeding, lines are selected for their appropriate characteristics. For example, one line may be selected for bolt tolerance in the fall growing conditions of the desert production locations of California and Arizona. Another line may be selected for the size, color, and texture of the lettuce head. Crosses are made, for example, to produce a dark green, sure heading iceberg lettuce with improved texture, and size for fall plantings in Yuma, Ariz. and Huron, Calif.

To optimize crossing, it is important to note that lettuce is an obligate self-pollinating species. This means that the pollen is shed before stigma emergence, assuring 100% self-fertilization. Since each lettuce flower is an aggregate of about 10-20 individual florets (typical of the Compositae family), manual removal of the anther tubes containing the pollen is performed by procedures well known in the art of lettuce breeding.

The manual removal of anther tubes, though an effective means to ensure the removal of all self pollinating possibilities, is very tedious and time consuming when a large number of crosses are to be made. The breeders have therefore adapted a well documented and modified method of making crosses more efficiently using these methods. This particular cross was made by first misting the designated male flowers to wash the pollen off prior to fertilization. This process of misting is a proven and effective means of pollen removal that assures crossing or hybridization. About 60-90 minutes past sunrise, flowers to be used for crossings are selected. The basis for selection are open flowers, with the stigma emerged and the pollen visibly attached to the single stigma (about 10-20 stigma). Using 3-4 pumps of water from a regular spray bottle, the pollen is washed off with enough pressure to dislodge the pollen grains, but not enough to damage the style. Excess water is dried off with clean paper towels. About 30 minutes later, the styles should spring back up and the two lobes of the stigma are visibly open in a “V” shape. Pollen from another variety or donor parent is then introduced by gently rubbing the stigma and style of the donor parent to the maternal parent. Tags with the pertinent information on date and pedigree are then secured to the flowers in order to keep track.

About 2-3 weeks after pollination, seeds are harvested when the involucre have matured. The seeds are eventually sown and in the presence of markers such as leaf color or leaf margins, the selfed or maternal seedlings or plants are identified. Generally, there are no visible markers and breeders must wait until the F₂ generations when expected segregation patterns for the genetic character of interest can be followed. This latter situation mandates a lengthy wait to determine if hybrids are produced. Two relevant references teaching methods for out crossing lettuce are: (1) Ryder, E. J. and A. S. Johnson. 1974. Mist depollination of lettuce flowers. Hortscience 9:584; and (2) Nagata, R. T. 1992. Clip and Wash Method of Emasculation for Lettuce. Hortscience 27(8):907-908 both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for the purpose of providing details on the techniques well known in the art.

Selection

In addition to crossing, selection may be used to identify and isolate new lettuce lines. In lettuce selection, lettuce seeds are planted, the plants are grown and single plant selections are made of plants with desired characteristics. Such characteristics may include improved head and frame size, deeper or darker green leaf color, etc. Seed from the single plant selections are harvested, separated from seeds of the other plants in the field and re-planted. The plants from the selected seed are monitored to determine if they exhibit the desired characteristics of the originally selected line. Selection work is continued over multiple generations to increase the uniformity of the new line.

Deposit Information

Lettuce variety ‘Haymaker’

A deposit of the lettuce variety ‘Haymaker’ is maintained by Pinnacle Seed, Inc., having an address of P.O. Box 222672, Carmel, Calif. 93923, United States of America. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit of at least 2,500 seeds of the same variety made according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection, (ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110, USA.

The lettuce variety ‘Haymaker’ was deposited on May 4, 2018 according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110, USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC number PTA-125104. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a public depository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years after the most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for the effective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if a deposit becomes nonviable during that period.

Lettuce variety ‘Hercules’

A deposit of the lettuce variety ‘Hercules’ is maintained by Pinnacle Seed, Inc., having an address of P.O. Box 222672, Carmel, Calif. 93923, United States of America. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit of at least 2,500 seeds of the same variety made according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection, (ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110, USA.

The lettuce variety ‘Hercules’ was deposited on Oct. 17, 2019 according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110, USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC number PTA-126296. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a public depository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years after the most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for the effective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if a deposit becomes nonviable during that period. 

What is claimed:
 1. A Lactuca sativa seed designated as ‘Hercules’, representative sample of seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-126296.
 2. A Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the seed of claim
 1. 3. A plant part from the plant of claim
 2. 4. The plant part of claim 3, wherein said part is a head, a leaf, or a portion thereof.
 5. The plant part of claim 4, wherein said part is a head.
 6. A Lactuca sativa plant having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of the Lactuca sativa plant of claim
 2. 7. A plant part from the plant of claim
 6. 8. The plant part of claim 7, wherein said part is a head, a leaf, or a portion thereof.
 9. The plant part of claim 8, wherein said part is a head.
 10. An F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa plant having ‘Hercules’ as a parent where ‘Hercules’ is grown from the seed of claim
 1. 11. A pollen grain or an ovule of the plant of claim
 2. 12. A tissue culture of the plant of claim
 2. 13. A lettuce plant regenerated from the tissue culture of claim 12, wherein the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of a lettuce plant produced by growing seed designated as ‘Hercules’, representative sample of seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-126296.
 14. A method of making lettuce seeds, said method comprising crossing the plant of claim 2 with another lettuce plant and harvesting seed therefrom.
 15. A method of selecting lettuce variety ‘Hercules’, comprising: a) growing more than one plant from the seed of claim 1; and b) selecting a plant from step a).
 16. A Lactuca sativa plant selected by the method of claim
 15. 17. Lactuca sativa seed produced from the Lactuca sativa plant of claim
 16. 